Foreign-gas extractor for refrigerating systems.



-No. 768,379. PATENTED AUG. 23, 1904. P. w. LANPHIER.

FOREIGN GAS EXTRAGTOR FOR REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS. APPLICATION FILED OUT. 21, 1903.

N0 MODEL. I 2 SHEBTS-SHEBT 1.

7 7 WLZneJJM: J [rs-22225023.-

019 KMMW/ No. 768,379. I I PATENTED AUG. 23, 1904.

F. w. LANPHIER.

FOREIGN GAS EXTRAGTOR FOR REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS.

APPLIUATIONYFILED OCT. 21, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 2 SHEETS-$311111 2.

wxmtm, W

Patented August 23, 1904.

U ITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK W. LANPHIER, OF 'CHIOAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR OF ONE- HAL]: TO JOHN W. FARLEY, OF LAGRANGE, ILLINOIS.

FOREIGN-GAS ExTnAoToh FOR REFRIGERATING SYSTEMS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 768,379, dated August 23, 1904.

Application filed October 21, 1903. Serial No. 177,847. No model.) I

Be it known that I, FREDERICK W. LAN- PHIER, a citizenof the United States, residing or gases.

at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Foreign-Gas Extractors for Refrigerating Systems, of-which the following is a specification.

My invention relates generally to refrigerating systems, and has reference more particularly to a new and improved device for relieving such systems of the presence of foreign gases.- 1

' In the practical operationof ammonia and similar refrigerating, systems considerable annoyance is experienced by reason of the presence in the refrigerating agent of foreign gas These are principally air which leaks in-along the piston-rods of the pumps and gases which are generated by the action of the heat of compression upon thelubricating-oils employed in the pumps. Heretofore, so far as I am aware, only comparatively crude and wasteful means have been resorted to to freethe system of the presence of these foreign gases, such as a pipe or receptacle tapping the top pipe or coil of the condenser and-provided with a valve on its outer end, by opening which the foreign gas collected therein might be discharged; but a serious objection to such adevice lies in the fact that more or less ammom'a-gas is bound to escape along with the foreign gas or gases, thus wasting th'e'ammonia andnecessitatingshutting down the system.

My invention has for its principal object to provide an improved device of this character which .will successfully extract and discharge all foreign gases without involving the loss and waste of ammonia or necessitating shutting down the system; and to this end my invention inits broadest aspects contemplates the employmentof a chamber or receptacle tapping a'gas-collecting header disposed above and communicating with the top coil or coils of the condenser and provided with amean's for discharging the foreign gases collected'therein and also with means for condensing and returning to the condenser through said turning such condensed ammoniagas to the system of means in the nature of a trap for pre venting any backing up of ammonia-gas from the condenser to the foreign-gas receptacle through the condensed-ammonia return pipe or conduit and also the provision of a conne ction between the return liquid-line and the header serving to prevent foreign gases from passing to the liquid receiver. Y

My invention in an improved embodiment thereof is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure l is an elevational view of thecondenser of a refrigerating system having my improved attachment applied thereto and shown in central vertical section. Fig. 2 is a similar view illustrating the preferred form which my attachment-takes when located in a horizontal rather than a vertical position above the condenser, and Fig. 3 is a detail vertical sectional view, enlarged, of a trap located in the condensed-ammonia return-pipe.

Referring to the drawings, 5 designates a series of rows of condenser-coils which are supplied with ing agent through the usual inlet-header 33, connected with the several coils by inlet-pipes 34,. carrying cut-off valves 34*.

6 designates a transversely-disposed overlying gas-collecting header connected with the several coils by short pipes 6, containing cut off valves 6 The coils 5 are connected at th 'r lower ends to the usual return liquidline 7, constit uting the ammonia-outlet, the communication ofeach-coilwith this pipe being controlled by a cut-off va:lv'e"7. Superiv 7 7 V posed above the header 6 is a tank 8, provided.

in its upper end with a blow-ofl' cock 9, which tank constitutes a foreign-gas receptacle. The tank sel 10, adapted to be maintained full of cool ammonia or other refrigerat- 8 is surrounded by a larger tank or ves- I ing-water by means of an inlet-pipe 11 at its lower end and an overflow-pipe 12 at its upper end. The header 6 communicates with the interior of the tank 8 through a pipe which is herein shown as consisting of a straight section 13, tapping the header 6 and the'bottom of the water-tank 10, an intermediate coil-section 13, lying within the watertank 10 beneath the lower end of the gas-receptacle 8, and a straight section 13", which taps the bottom of the tank 8 and extends upwardly'for some distance therein. Tapping the lower end of the tank 8 is a pipe 14, which extends straight downwardly inside the coil 13 through the bottom of the outer tank 10 and enters a trap device 15. This latter in the form herein shown consists of a casting which has cored therein a downwardly-curved passage 16, Fig. 3, and communicating with the latter a downwardly-inclined passage 17, which joins at the lower end of the casting an upwardly extending space or passage 18, which latter communicates freely with the pipe-section 13, already described, by a short pipe 19 and T -coupling 20. The trap-casting is also connected at its lower end by a pipesection 21 with the header 6 for drainage purposes, as hereinafter more particularly explained.

22 designates a cutoff valvelocated in the pipe-section 13 below the branch 19, leading to the trap 15. 23 is a similar valve located in the same pipe above the branch 19. 24 is a similar valve located in the pipe 14; above the trap'15, and 25 is a similar valve located in the pipe-section 21 beneath the trap.

26, Fig. 3, designates a valve-disk mounted on the inner end of avalve-stem 27 ,whieh extends through a suitably-packedbearing 28, with which it has a screw-threaded connection. outside the trap-casting terminating in a hand-wheel 29. The disk 26 is slidable on the spindle 27 for a limited distance between a shoulder 27 a and a' nut 27 b on the end of the spindle.

1 the latter.

I 30 designates a pipe which is independent of the pipe system of the condenser and connects header 6 with the return liquid-line 7 at or about-the point where the latter connects with the line to the receiver, this pipe being equipped with one or more cut-ofi valves 31,

The operation of the apparatus is substantially as follows: During the normal operation of the system while the condensed ammonia is undergoing cooling and liquefaction in the coils of the condenser 5 and is flowing off thence through the return liquid-line 7 to the receiver such foreign gas or gases as may be present therein will tend to rise into the header 6 through the connections of the several coils therewith .and also through the pipe 30. This gas tending to rise will pass upwardly through the pipe-sections 13, 13, and 13* into the receiving-tank 8, collecting in the upper end of More or less ammonia-gas will pass upwardly with theforeign gases into the tank 8, but on coming into contact with the cold. walls of the latter will condense and settling in the bottom will flow back through the pipe 14, the ports 16 and 17, the space 18, branch connecting-pipe 19, and lower end of pipe-section 13 into the header,whence it will rejoin the liquefied gas in the condenser and pass therewith to the receiver. At intervals as often as experience demonstrates the necessity or advisability the valves 23 and 21 are closed, and the blow-off cock 9 is then opened and the foreign gases are vented therethrough without loss or waste of ammonia-gas. It should be explained that a considerable portion of the ammonia-gas which rises with the foreign gases toward the chamber 8 is con- 'densed in the coil-section 13 and flows back thence to the header through the pipe-section 13; but such ammonia-gas as is not condensed within the condenser-coil 13, will be condensed by the cold walls of the tank 8 and returned in the manner already described.

It will be observed that the formation of the duct 16 and also of the duct 17 and space 18 is such as to present a double liquid seal, one in the duct 16 and the other at the junction of the duct 17 and space 18, the function of these seals being to prevent the passage of ammonia-gas upwardly into the tank 8 through the liquid-ammonia return-pipe 14 and its connections to the header. Under normal conditions and pressures the liquid seals are suiiicient for this purpose; but to provide against abnormal pressures,which might blow out the seals, I provide the back-pressure valve 26. This valve, which, as already explained, is slidable through a limited distance on its stem, normally stands slightly removed from its seat, so as to permit the downward flow of the condensed ammonia thereby; but in case of sudden and abnormal back pressure it will be instantly seated by the latter and will thus guard the return-pipe 14 against the backing up of ammonia-gas therethrough.

When for purposes of repairs or other reasons it is desired to absolutely close the connection between the tank 8 and the header 6 through the return-pipe 14 and its connections, this may be done by manipulating the hand-wheel 29 to force the valve-disk 26 hard to its seat. The pipe 21 and its valve25 are normally idle, the valve being closed; but they are provided for the purpose of draining off the lower seal in the trap 15 when necessary for the purpose of repairs or other reasons. The valves 22, 23, and 24 are of course normally open; but by closing them both the condenser and the foreign-gas-collecting tank 8 are entirely cut off from the trap 15 and the pipe-sections lying between the upper valves 23 24: and the lower valves 22 25, so that said parts may be replaced or repaired without loss of gas from either of the underlying or superposed devices.

The pipe 30, shown as connecting the return liquid-line 7 with the header 6, performs an important function in collecting and delivering to the header and through the latter to ing agent for said being preferably employed in special si-tuathe tank 8a considerable percentage of the foreign gas which would otherwise pass off with the ammonia fromthe condenser to the receiver.

By manipulating the valves34, .6", and 7, connected with any one of the coils, said coil can be independently cut out of the system when necessary for any reason Without interfering with the operation of the rest of the condenser.

Fig. 2 of the drawings illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the foreign-gas-rec'eiving tank is disposed horizontally instead of vertically above the condenser and wherein a water-shower is used as a coolforeign-gas collector and the pipe leading thereto from the header instead of a water-jacket, as in the previouslydescribed construction. Referring briefly thereto, 8 designates the horizontally-disposed receiver for the foreign gases provided with a blow-off cock 9 and entered at one end by a pipe-section 123 which is continuous with an intermediate coil 13 and a straight section 13, tapping the condenser-head 6. To cool the gas-collector 8, so as to condense the ammonia-gas which finds its way therein, I may conveniently employ a jet or supply pipe 32, which delivers a considerable stream of cold water upon the top and sides of the tank, this water falling off the latter onto and over the coil 13",- and thus tending to condense a considerable part of the ammonia rising through the latter and return it directly to the system. The ammonia return pipe is shown at 14 and, as in the construction described in Fig. 1, taps the lowest point of the gas-collecting chamber in order to insure the constant drainage of any liquid ammonia collecting therein and its return to the system through the trap 15 For convenience in carrying the trap 15 beyond the end of the tank 8 and out of the reach of the water-drip therefrom the pipe 14' has a horizontal section, as shown, between the upper end of the trap and the bottom of thegas-rceiving tank. As regards its operation, the modified form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 2 is identical with that shown in Fig. 1, such a form tions wherein there is not sufficient room or space directly over the condenser for a vertical or upright foreign-gas-extracting device.

It will be evident that within the purview of the invention as hereinabove described considerable latitude might be exercised in i 'respect totheparwar construction and relative location and arrafirventoftheseveral parts and elements of the device without departing from the real spirit and gist of the invention. Hence I do not limit the invention to such details of construction and relative arrangement asare'shown in the accompany- 1. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with the condenser of a refrigerating system, the supply and draw-off pipes, and a superposed gas-collecting header communicating with the top p pe of the condenser, of a foreign-gas-collectmg tank, a pipe connecting the interior thereof with the said header, another pipe constituting a return-pipe for the refrigerating agent from said tank to the said header, and means for discharging the foreign gas from the upper portion of'said tank, substantially as described.

2. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with a multiple cOllcondenser of a refrigerating system, the supply and draw-off pipes, and a superposed gascollecting header disposed across and communicating with the top pipes of the several coils of the condenser, of a foreign-gas-collecting tank, a pipe connecting the interior thereof with the said header, means for cooling the walls of said tank whereby to condense the refrigerating agent therein, another pipe con stituting a return-pipe ,for the condensed r cfrigerating agent from the bottom of said tank to the said header, and means for discharging the foreign gas from the upper end of said tank, substantially as described.

3. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with a tank and a pipe connecting the interior thereof with the condenser of a refrigerating system, said pipe including a condenser-coil interposed therein between the tank and the condenser, of means for cooling said tank and condenser-coil whereby to condense ammonia-gas therein, a return-pipe for the condensed ammonia from the bottom of said tank to the condenser, and means for discharging the foreign gas from the upper end of said tank, substantially as described.

4. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with a foreign-gasreceiving tank and a pipe connecting the interior thereof with the condenser of a refrigerating system, of a return-pipe for the condensed ammonia from the bottom of said tank to the condenser, and a trap interposed in said return-pipe to prevent backing up of ammonia-gas from the condenser thereth rough, substantially as described.

' 5. In an' apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with a foreign-gasreceiving tank and a pipe connecting the inieriortheliiQfflijl} he condenser of a refrigerating system, of flaunt-pipe for the condensed ammonia from the bottom of said tank to the condenser, and a trap containing a liq- .uid seal interposed in said return-pipe, substantially as described.

' terior thereof with the condenser of a refrigerating system, of a return-pipe for the condensed ammonia from the bottom of said tank to the condenser, and a trap containing a double liquid seal interposed in said return-pipe, substantially as described.

7. In an apparatus for the purpose described, the combination with a foreign-gasreceiving tank and a pipe connecting themterior thereof with the condenser of a refrigerating system, of a return-pipe for the condensed ammonia from the bottom of said tank to the condenser, and a trap having a pair of liquid seals and a check-valve between said seals interposed in said return-pipe, substantially as described.

8. In an apparatus scribed, the combination with a foreign-gasreceiving tank and a pipe connecting the interior thereof with the condenser of a refrigcrating system, of a return-pipe for the condensed ammonia from the bottom of said tank to the condenser,. a trap interposed in said return-pipe to prevent backing up of ammoniagas from the condenser therethrough, and cutoff and drain valves interposed in-said pipes between said tank and the condenser, substantially as described.

9 The combination with the supply and for the purpose dedraw-ofi". pipes and condensing-coils of an ammonia-condenser, of a gas-collectinghcadcr disposed above and communicating with the top pipes of said coils, a return liquid-line, a foreign-gas-collecting tank connected to said header, and a pipe directly connecting the said header with the discharging end of the return liquid-line, said pipe being independent of the pipe system of the condenser and adapted to transmit foreign'gas from the latter point externally of the condensing-coils to and through said header and thence to the foreign-gas-collecting tank, substantially as described.

10. The combination with theheader, the return liquid-line, and the interposed condensing-coils of an ammonia-condenser, of a foreigngas receiving tank connected to said header, means for cooling the walls of said tank, a return-pipe for condensed ammonia from the bottom of said tank to said header, a trap interposed in said return-pipe, and a pipe directly connecting the header with the discharging end of the return liquid-line adapted to transmit foreign gas from the latter point to and through said header and thence to the foreign-gasreceiving tank, substantially as l described.

FREDERICK W. LANPHIER.

Witnesses:

SAMUEL N. POND, FREDERICK C. GOODWIN. 

